Knuckle hub assembly and method for making same

ABSTRACT

A knuckle hub assembly ( 10 ) and a method for manufacturing same whereby brake run out is produced includes a knuckle ( 12 ), a bearing ( 28 ) press fit into the knuckle ( 12 ), and a wheel hub ( 14 ) coupled to the bearing ( 28 ) and rotateable with respect to the knuckle ( 12 ). The wheel hub ( 14 ) has a flange surface ( 34 ) having a relief channel ( 60 ) formed therein. A plurality of wheel studs ( 44 ) are press fit into bolt opening ( 42 ) formed in the relief channel ( 60 ). This arrangement provides a flat flange surface ( 34 ) for mating with a rotor ( 42 ) to minimize brake run out. The knuckle hub assembly ( 10 ) is mounted into a floating tool for finish turning of the flange surface ( 34 ) to provide minimal run out and maximum flatness.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present invention claims priority from Applicant's co-pendingprovisional application, Serial No. 60/136,535, filed May 28, 1999.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates generally to motor vehicle wheelend components. More particularly, the present invention relates to aknuckle/hub assembly having a unique assembly and manufacturing processfor reducing lateral run-out and a unique apparatus for machining therotor-mounting flange surface of the wheel hub.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Most motor vehicles today include disc brake systems for thefront axle wheel assemblies and many further include disc brakes at therear axle position. The disc brake rotor is a circular metal disc havingopposed braking surfaces that are clamped by brake pads carried by abrake caliper to exert a braking effect. The wheel hub typicallyincorporates an anti-friction wheel bearing assembly in which one raceof the bearing is coupled to the vehicle suspension and the otherrotationally mounts the wheel hub, the brake rotor and wheel.Ordinarily, the rotating components of the rotor and hub assembly aremanufactured separately and assembled together. This enables the brakerotor to be serviced and replaced if necessary during use. Moreover, thedesired material characteristics for a brake rotor and the hubcomponents are different. Although efforts to integrate these componentshave been proposed, such an approach has not found widespreadacceptance.

[0004] In order to enhance performance of the braking system, it isdesired to carefully and accurately control the dimensionalcharacteristics of the rotor braking surfaces as the rotor rotates. Thethickness variation of the disc and the lateral run-out or lateraldeflection of the surfaces as they rotate need to be held to minimumtolerances. Similarly, the radial run-out of the outer edges of thebraking surfaces need to be controlled to ensure that the brake padsengage as much of the available rotor braking surface as possiblewithout overlapping the edges of the rotor which gives rise to brakerun-out. However, manufacturers have faced difficulties in achievingenhanced control over these tolerances due to the influence of severalfactors.

[0005] Most efforts to date have focused on decreasing run-out bycontrolling the dimensional characteristics of the rotor and thereforethe relationship of the rotor surface to the wheel hub flange orsurface. However, despite the fact that the tolerances and dimensionalcharacteristics of the rotors have improved, performance and run-outproblems still exist. These run-out problems are due in large part toother components of the wheel end assembly, including the bearing/hubassembly, which is comprised of a wheel hub and a bearing or theknuckle/hub assembly, which is comprised of a knuckle, a wheel hub, anda bearing.

[0006] One factor that contributes to this run-out is the stack-up ofthe individual components in a knuckle/hub assembly, i.e., theircombined tolerances. While the tolerances of each part can be reducedwhen they are separately machined, when the parts are assembled, thecombined tolerances stack up, causing run-out that is still relativelysignificant. Another factor that contributes to stack-up is anyvariation in the turning processes that are used to machine the flangesurface, when the wheel hub is individually machined, in an effort tomake it flat with respect to the rotor. Further, the installation andpress condition of the wheel bolts, the assembly process of theknuckle/hub assembly, and improperly pre-loaded bearings, can all causemisalignment of the hub surface with respect to the rotor and thus causeunacceptable run-out. This run-out can cause premature failure of thebrake lining due to uneven wear which requires premature replacement ofthe brake lining at an increased expense. Further, problems due torun-out include, brake judder, steering wheel “nibble” and pedal pulsesfelt by the user, and warped rotors which result in brake noise anduneven stopping.

[0007] Presently available manufacturing methods and designs of knucklehub assemblies limit the accuracy to which lateral run-out of brakingsurfaces can be controlled. These methods and designs are alsoinsufficient to solve the problems associated with run-out, as discussedabove. Current methods typically involve finishing the knuckle and thehub individually and then assembling the machined parts to form acompleted knuckle/hub assembly. These methods, however, do not solve therun-out problems due to the factors discussed above, including stack-uptolerances, turning process variations, and wheel bolt and bearinginstallations.

[0008] Other options have been considered in an effort to solve therun-out problem, but they also all suffer from a variety ofdisadvantages. One contemplated option for reducing run-out is toseparately decrease the run-out of each individual component, bydecreasing their respective tolerances during manufacture and thenassembling the components. The “stack up” of tolerance variationsrelated to such an approach is still significant and provides onlylimited system improvement at an increased manufacturing cost. Anothercontemplated option includes tightening the press-fit tolerancevariation between the knuckle, the wheel hub, and the bearing. This,however, significantly increases the difficulty in the assembly processas well as increases the manufacturing cost. Further, this option doesnot provide the desired reduction in system run-out.

[0009] It would therefore be advantageous to design a knuckle/hubassembly for a motor vehicle that decreases system run-out withoutsignificantly increasing the manufacturing cost of the assembly orincreasing the manufacturing difficulty.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide aknuckle/hub assembly and a method for manufacturing same that providesreduced wheel hub lateral run-out.

[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide aknuckle/hub assembly and a method for manufacturing same that results ina brake configuration which minimizes brake noise and uneven stopping.

[0012] It is still a further object of the present invention to providea knuckle/hub assembly and method for manufacturing same that results ina brake configuration which minimizes uneven brake lining wear and thusthe need for frequent lining replacements.

[0013] It is a related object of the present invention to provide aknuckle/hub assembly and a method for manufacturing same that results ina brake configuration which increases the life of vehicle brake linings.

[0014] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide aknuckle/hub assembly and a method for manufacturing same that results ina brake configuration which provides improved performance at relativelylower cost.

[0015] It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide atool to allow for the machining of a knuckle/hub assembly to providedecreased lateral run-out on the outboard wheel hub flange face.

[0016] In accordance with the objects of the present invention aknuckle/hub assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The knuckle/hubassembly includes a knuckle having a plurality of apertures formedtherein for attachment of the knuckle to a vehicle. The knuckle alsoincludes a bearing retention portion. The knuckle bearing retentionportion is in communication with a bearing through press-fitting. Thebearing in turn is in rotational communication with a wheel hub. Thewheel hub includes a neck portion that is pressed into the bearing, anda flange. The flange has a flange face, which includes an outer portion,an inner portion, and a relief channel that is formed in the flange facebetween the outer portion and the inner portion. The relief channel hasa plurality of bolt holes formed therein with each of the plurality ofbolt holes receiving a wheel bolt passed therethrough. The inner portionand the outer portion are disposed on the same plane and are parallel tothe caliper mounting features, and wherein the inner and outer portionshave minimal run out with respect to the bearing axis of rotation.

[0017] In accordance with another object of the present invention, amethod for forming a knuckle/hub assembly having reduced run-out isprovided. The method includes providing a knuckle having a generallycircular bore formed therein. The generally circular knuckle bore has abearing press-fit therein. A wheel hub having a neck portion and aflange portion with a flange face is provided. The flange face is thenmachined to form a relief channel therein, which divides the flangesurface into an inner portion and an outer portion. The inner portionand the outer portion of the wheel hub flange face are each finished.The relief channel has a plurality of wheel bolts press-fit into boltholes formed therein. The neck portion of the wheel hub is thenjournaled into the bearing such that the wheel hub can rotate withrespect to the knuckle. The knuckle/hub assembly is then mounted suchthat the flange face is then final finished with the inner portion andthe outer portion being co-planar and parallel with respect to thecaliper ears.

[0018] In accordance with another object of the present invention, anassembly for holding a knuckle/hub assembly while it is final finishedis provided. The assembly includes a standard lathe machine with afixture for clamping and locating the knuckle/hub assembly. The fixtureapplies a clamping force to the wheel hub and the inner race of thebearing to generate a pre-load on the bearing. The fixture also holdsthe knuckle in place so that the wheel hub may be rotated. Thereafter,the inner and outer surfaces of the flange face are final finished sothat they are flat and co-planar with respect to each other. These twosurfaces have minimal run-out when measured back to the knuckle/hubassembly's axis of rotation.

[0019] These and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following description of the inventionwhen viewed in accordance with the accompanying drawings and appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a knuckle/hub assembly inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 2 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating thecomponents of a knuckle/hub assembly and a brake rotor in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the knuckle/hub assembly inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 4 is a rear view of a knuckle/hub assembly in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 5 is an end view of a wheel hub flange face in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the wheel hub of FIG. 5 alongthe line 6-6;

[0026]FIG. 7 is a top view of a manufacturing fixture assembly for usein the generation of a knuckle/hub assembly in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a manufacturing fixture assembly with aknuckle/hub assembly clamped therein in the direction of the arrow 8 inFIG. 9 in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

[0028]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the manufacturing fixtureassembly and knuckle/hub assembly clamped therein of FIG. 7 in thedirection of the arrows 9-9;

[0029]FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a puller member of themanufacturing fixture assembly of FIG. 7 in the direction of the arrows10-10;

[0030]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the manufacturing fixtureassembly, with a knuckle/hub assembly positioned therein, of FIG. 9 inthe direction of the arrows 11-11; and

[0031]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the manufacturing fixtureassembly, with a knuckle/hub assembly positioned therein, of FIG. 9 inthe direction of the arrows 12-12.

BEST MODE(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0032]FIGS. 1 through 4 illustrate a preferred knuckle/hub assembly, asgenerally indicated by reference number 10, in accordance with thepresent invention. The assembly 10 is comprised of a variety ofcomponents, including a knuckle 12 and a wheel hub 14. The knuckle 12 ispreferably constructed of metal and is generally formed by casting whilethe wheel hub 14 is preferably constructed of metal. The knuckle and hubcan obviously be formed of other materials. The knuckle 12 preferablyhas a generally circular bore 16 formed therein and a plurality ofoutwardly extending appendages 18 that attach to the vehicle through aplurality of apertures 20 formed in the plurality of legs 18, as is wellknown in the art.

[0033] The bore 16 has a recess 22 formed therein bounded by an uppersnap ring groove 24 and a lower snap ring 26 or shoulder for receiving abearing 28 press fit therein. A snap ring 29 is preferably press fit orotherwise secured into the upper snap ring groove 24 prior to engagementof the bearing 28 with the knuckle 12. It should be understood thatwhile the illustrated assembly has a bore 16 formed in the knuckle 12,the bearing 28 can be attached or secured to the knuckle 12 in a varietyof configurations. For example, the bearing 28 can be mounted to anupper surface or other portion of the knuckle 12. Alternatively, thebearing 28 can be only partially disposed in the bore 16. Additionally,the bore 18 can be eliminated altogether.

[0034] The bearing 28 preferably has an outer race 31 and an inner race33. However, it should be understood that a variety of differentbearings may be utilized as well as a variety of differentknuckle/bearing attachment configurations. For example, instead of beingpress-fit with a snap ring, i.e., between the upper retention ring 24and the lower retention ring 26, the bearing 28 may be press-fit withouta snap ring and held in place with a nut or other known securingmethods. Alternatively, the outer race 31 may be integrally formed withthe knuckle 12 or may be configured as an orbital formed outer racerotation bearing/knuckle assembly. Further, the bearing outer race 31could alternatively be bolted to the knuckle 12 such that the inner race33 rotates with the wheel hub 14. Moreover, the inner race 33 may beintegrally formed with the wheel hub 14. Further, a spindleconfiguration having a non-driven outer race rotation may also beutilized.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment, the wheel hub 14 has a neck portion30 and a flange portion 32. The neck portion 30 is preferably pressedinto contact with the inner race 33 of the bearing 28 so that the wheelhub 14 can rotate with respect to the knuckle 12, as shown in FIG. 3.Alternatively, the neck portion 30 may be integrally formed with theinner race 33 or the outer race 31. It should be understood that otherwheel hub/bearing configurations may also be utilized.

[0036] The flange portion 32 has a flange face 34 and a wheel and rotorpilot portion 36. The wheel and rotor pilot portions 36 extend generallyupwardly from the flange face 34 and has an inner surface 38, whichdefines a spline 40. The wheel hub 14 also has a plurality of bolt holes42 formed in the flange face 34 through which a plurality of respectivewheel bolts 44 are passed. The plurality of wheel bolts 44 are attachedto the flange face 34 in a predetermined pattern and on the same pitchcircle diameter. The wheel bolts 44 are oriented with the threaded endsextending outwardly so as to connect a rotor 46 and associated wheelonto the hub 14 in a fashion, which is more clearly described below.Alternatively, the wheel hub 14 may have bolt holes 42 that receive lugnuts that are attached to a vehicle wheel and are passed through thebole holes 42 when the wheel is attached to the wheel hub 14.

[0037] As best shown in FIG. 2, the rotor 46 comprises a cup 48 with acentral aperture 50 adapted to receive therethrough a wheel shaft (notshown) affixed to the wheel and rotor pilot portions 36 and extendingoutwardly from the flange face 34. The cup 48 is dimensioned to receivethe hub flange portion 32 and includes at its outer end an annularflange 52 having a plurality of apertures 54 lying in the same pitchcircle diameter relative to the wheel shaft as the wheel bolts 44 andhaving a similar pattern so as to accommodate the wheel bolts 44therethrough.

[0038] A pair of parallel, annular discs 56 spaced from each other by aplurality of rectangular fillets 58 extend outwardly from the cup 48 anddefine braking surfaces for a plurality of brake calipers (not shown).The completion of the assembly to the wheel is done by positioning thewheel over the bolts 44 and the threading nuts (not shown) over thebolts 44 so as to secure the wheel between the nuts and the rotor 46.This invention addresses, among other things, the problems, which occurbetween the mating surfaces of the hub flange portion 32 and the rotor46.

[0039] Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 6, which illustrate the preferredwheel hub 14 and flange portion 32 of the present invention. The flangeface 34 has a relief channel 60 machined therein. It should beunderstood that the relief channel 60 may also be forged into the flangeface 34 or may be formed by other known methods. The relief channel 60divides the flange face 34 into an outer flange surface 62 and an innerflange surface 64. The relief channel 60 is turned into the flange face34 so that the plurality of bolt holes 42 lie in the relief channel 60.The plurality of bolt holes 42 may be formed either before or after therelief channel 60 has been formed. The relief channel is preferably setbelow the level of the flange face 34, this is to eliminate any surfaceunevenness caused by press-fitting the wheel bolts 44 into the boltholes 42. Any unevenness due to press-fitting of the wheel bolts 44 iscompensated for by the relief channel 60 as any unevenness will not beraised with respect to the flange 62, 64, and therefore does notcontribute to any run-out. The relief channel 60 also allows for finalfinishing or finish turning to be performed on the assembly 10 after thebolts 44 have been seemed to the wheel hub 14.

[0040] The relief channel 60 is preferably formed in the flange surface34 prior to the knuckle 12, the bearing 28, and the wheel hub 14 beingassembled. However, it should be understood that the relief channel 60can be formed in the flange surface 34 after the wheel hub 14 isassembled to the bearing 28 and the knuckle 12 and before the wheelstuds 44 are press-fit therein. In accordance with the preferred methodof forming, the wheel hub 14 has the relief channel 60 formed therein.Thereafter, the outer flange surface 62 and the inner flange surface 64are finished. After the finishing process has been completed, the wheelbolts 44 are press fit into the bolt holes 42. Thereafter, the hub 14 ismounted to the bearing 28 and the knuckle 12 to form the completedknuckle/hub assembly 10.

[0041] The assembly 10 is then placed into a clamping apparatus, as isdiscussed in more detail below, where it is finish turned or finalfinished to provide a flat outer flange surface 62 and a flat innerflange surface 64 that will contact the rotor 46 and thus, minimize anyrun out. The refinishing will provide an inner flange surface 64 and anouter flange surface 62 that are co-planar with respect to each other soas to provide a flat flange surface 34. The re-finishing processminimizes run-out with respect to not only the rotor, but also to thecenter of rotation of the assembly 68, as established by the bearing 28.Further, the method and configuration of the present invention allowsthe distance between the caliper ears and the flange surfaces 62, 64 tobe accurately controlled. Additionally, the parallelism between thecaliper ears and the flange surfaces 62, 64 can also be accuratelycontrolled. In the preferred embodiment, each flange surface has aflatness of 20 μm or better. Additionally, the run-out is minimized to14 μm or better and the co-planarness of the inner and outer surfaces62, 64 is 20 μm or better. However, the flatness requirements may bevaried.

[0042]FIGS. 7 through 12 illustrate a preferred part clamping fixture 70in accordance with the present invention. The part clamping fixture 70is preferably incorporated into a lathe machine (not shown) and is usedto locate and hold the knuckle/hub assembly 10 for refinishing, inaccordance with the process described above.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 7, the part clamping fixture 70 includes agenerally flat top surface 72 for abutting a portion or surface of thelathe machine. The generally flat top surface 72 includes an opening 74formed therein in which a split collar 76 is generally positioned forengagement with a drive motor from the lathe. The split collar 76 isdisposed such that it is rotatable with respect to the opening 74. Thesplit collar 76 has a top surface 78 with a plurality of drive motorengagement notches 80 that communicate with the drive motor from thelathe in order to rotate the split collar 76.

[0044] With reference to FIGS. 7 through 12, the part clamping fixture70 is shown in more detail. The fixture 70 includes a plurality of keys82 that fit into recesses 84 formed in the generally flat top surface72. The keys 82 have fasteners 86 that pass through both the keys 82 andthe generally flat top surface 72 to secure the keys 82 to a spacerplate 88. The spacer plate 88 is disposed on top of a base plate 90 withthe two plates 88, 90 being secured by standard fasteners 92 that extendthrough the generally flat top surface 72.

[0045] The split collar 76 has a bore 94 formed therein in which atoothed gear 96 is disposed. The toothed gear 96 is secured to a pullermember 98 that, when lowered by the lathe, extends generally downwardand into communication with the knuckle 12. The toothed gear 96 isrotatable with respect to the split collar 76 and is supported at abottom surface 100 by a u-joint adapter 102 that has a central opening104 formed therein that encompasses the puller member 98.

[0046] The part clamping fixture 70 has a right housing portion 106, aright cover portion 108, and a right pull piston 110 disposed in theright housing portion 106. The part clamping fixture 70 also includes aleft housing portion 114, a left cover 116, and a left pull piston 118disposed within the left housing portion 114. Both the right pull piston110 and the left pull piston 118 are secured to the base plate 90 byrespective fasteners 112, 120. Each of the right housing portion 106 andthe left housing portion 114 are moveable with respect to the respectivepull pistons 110, 118 such that respective chambers 122, 124 are formedbetween each housing portion 106, 114. Each chamber 122, 124 has anorifice 126, 128 in fluid communication therewith allowing fluid toenter and exit the respective chamber 122, 124 to assist in moving theright and left housing portions 106, 114 upwardly and downwardly. Theleft and right chambers 122, 124 are sealed from their respectivehousings 106, 114 by a plurality of o-rings 130. Obviously any othersealing mechanism may alternatively be utilized. The left pull piston118 is preferably smaller in length and diameter than the right pullpiston 110 to ensure that equal forces are applied to the knuckle 12. Itshould be understood that the size of the pull pistons 110 and 118 mayvary depending upon the knuckle configuration.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 9, a bayonet 132 is preferably inserted into thespline 40 defined by the inner surface 38 of the wheel pilot portion 36of the flange portion 32. The bayonet 132 is for engagement with thepuller member 98 to lift the knuckle/hub assembly 10, as described inmore detail below. The bayonet 132 preferably engages a washer bore orface 133 in order to lift the assembly 10.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 11, the right housing portion 106 is retained inproximity with the base plate 90 by a pair of retaining blocks 134. Eachof the retaining blocks 134 has a supporting portion 136 that engages aflange portion 138 of the right housing portion 106. Each of theretaining blocks 134 is secured to the base plate 90 by a fastener 140or the like. A pair of guide pins 142 are disposed in the right housingportion 106. Each of the guide pins 142 is secured to the base plate 90at an upper end 144 and each is in communication with a spring 146 at alower end 148. Each spring 146 fits within a recess 150 formed in thelower end 144 of each of the guide pins 142 and extends downwardly intocontact with the right housing portion 106. The biasing force from thesprings 146 helps bias the right housing portion 106 away from the guidepins 142.

[0049] As also shown in FIG. 11, the right housing portion 106 includesa pair of bores 152 within which a respective piston 154 reciprocates.Each piston 154 moves between a normally unengaged position and aknuckle engaging position. The bores 152 are each sealed adjacent theouter ends 156 of the pistons 154 by an end cap 158. The inner ends 160of each of the pistons 154 has a gripper portion 162 and a swivelinggripper portion 164 which allow the piston 154 to engage and hold theupper strut arm 155 of the knuckle 12 when the piston 154 is in theknuckle engaging position. Each piston 154 reciprocates within a bushing166 secured within the respective bore 152 to ensure proper alignment ofthe gripper portions 162 and the swiveling gripper portions 164 withrespect to the upper strut arm 155.

[0050] Turning now to FIG. 12, which is a cross-sectional view of thefixture assembly 70 through the left housing portion 114. The lefthousing portion 114 is also retained in proximity with the base plate 90by a pair of retaining blocks 168. Each of the retaining blocks 168 hasa supporting portion 170 that engages a flange portion 171 of the lefthousing portion 114. Each of the retaining blocks 168 is secured to thebase plate 90 by a fastener 172 or other securing means. A pair of guidepins 174 are disposed in the left housing portion 114. Each of the guidepins 174 is secured to the base plate 90 at an upper end 176 and each isin communication with a spring 178 at a lower end 180 of the guide pins174. Each spring 178 fits within a recess 182 formed in the lower end180 and extends downwardly into contact with the left housing portion114. The biasing force from the springs 178 helps bias the left housingportion 114 away from the guide pins 174. The left guide pins 174 arepreferably smaller in length and diameter than the right guide pins 142.

[0051] As also shown in FIG. 12, the left housing portion 114 includes apair of bores 184 within which a respective piston 186 reciprocates.Each piston 186 moves between a normally unengaged position and aknuckle engaging position. The bores 184 are each sealed adjacent theouter ends 188 of the pistons 186 by a respective end cap 190. The innerends 182 of each of the pistons 186 have a gripper portion 194 and aswiveling gripper portion 196 which allow the pistons 186 to engage andclamp the lower ball joint 198 of the knuckle 12 when the pistons 186are in a knuckle engaging position. Each piston 186 reciprocates withina busing 188 secured within each bore 184 to ensure proper alignment ofthe gripper portion 194 and the swiveling gripper portion 196 withrespect to the lower ball joint 198.

[0052] Referring now to FIGS. 9 and 10, which illustrate the pullermember 98 and the surrounding encasing 200. The puller member 98 has ahead portion 202 around which the toothed gear 96 is located, a neckportion 204 which passes through the opening 104 in the u-joint adapter102, and a stem portion 206 which is rotatable within a bore 208 formedin the surrounding encasing 200. The surrounding encasing 200 has aplurality of bearings 210 disposed around the bore 208 to assist in therotation of the stem portion 206.

[0053] The encasing 200 includes an upper body portion 212 that has anupper end cap portion 214 disposed thereabove, a lower end cap portion216 disposed therebelow, and a spacer portion 218 disposed between theupper body portion 212 and the lower end cap portion 216. The componentsof the upper body portion 212 are held together by a fastener 220 orother securing mechanism. The encasing 200 also includes a lower stopportion 222 which is secured to an upper end cap 224 by a fastener 226or other securing mechanism. The upper body portion 212 and the lowerstop portion 222 are surrounded by a body portion 228 having a stopportion 230 secured thereto. The encasing 200 is preferably secured tothe underside of the base plate 90 by a plurality of fasteners 232, suchas bolts or other securing mechanisms.

[0054] An upper reservoir 234 is preferably formed in the upper bodyportion 212. The upper reservoir 234 is in fluid communication with afluid inlet port 236 for receiving hydraulic fluid therein. The upperreservoir 234 is also in fluid communication with a first fluid orifice238 formed in the stem portion 206 of the puller member 98. The firstfluid orifice 238 is in fluid communication with an internal fluidpassageway 240 which is in fluid communication with a second fluidorifice 242 formed in the stem portion 206. Fluid that passes throughthe second fluid orifice 242 is passed into a lower reservoir 244. Thelower reservoir 244 is formed between the lower stop portion 222 and theupper end cap 224.

[0055] The stem portion 206 has an annular flange 246 integrally formedthereon. The annular flange 246 is preferably disposed in the lowerreservoir 244. The annular flange 246 and the upper end cap 224 are inmechanical communication through the inclusion of a plurality of springs248 disposed in recesses 250, 252 formed in their respective surfacesand a spring drive pin 254. Thus, as hydraulic fluid enters the lowerreservoir 244 through the second fluid orifice 242, the annular flange246 is caused to move upward against the force of the springs 248.

[0056] In operation, a knuckle/hub assembly 10 which is to be refinishedin accordance with the process, as described in detail above, is locatedin the lathe and generally beneath the part clamping fixture 70. Theknuckle/hub assembly 10 is preferably resting on a pallet or othersupporting structure with unobstructed passages. After the knuckle/hubassembly 10 has been located on the pallet beneath the part clampingfixture 70, the bayonet 132 enters the spline 40 of the assembly 10 bypassing up through the pallet upon which the assembly 10 is resting. Thebayonet 132 is pressed upward until a shoulder portion 256 contacts thewasher face 133 of the flange portion 32 forcing it upward. The assembly10 is lifted by the bayonet 132 at least enough so that the wheel studs44 are clear from the pallet 10.

[0057] Thereafter, the lathe lowers the puller member 98 and the pullerencasing 200 through the opening 74 and into communication with theknuckle 12. The stem portion 206 of the puller member 98 has a recess258 formed at its lower end 260 which is opposite the head portion 202.The recess 258 is non-uniform in diameter as in one orientation, it islarge enough to receive a rounded top portion 260 of the bayonet 132therewithin. However, when the stem portion 206 is rotated 90 degrees,its diameter is not large enough to receive the rounded top portion 260therewithin or to allow the rounded top portion 260 to be withdrawn fromthe recess 258 if it is positioned therein. Thus, when the puller member98 is lowered, it is oriented so as to receive the rounded top portion260 therewithin.

[0058] After the puller member 98 and the puller encasing 200 have beenlowered, the pair of right pistons 154 and the pair of left pistons 186are hydraulically actuated in order to apply a pinching or clampingforce to the knuckle 12. The right pistons 156 apply a clamping force tothe opposing sides of the upper strut arm 155 through the use of thegripper portions 162 and the swiveling gripper portions 164. Similarly,the left pistons 186 apply a clamping force to the opposing sides of thelower ball joint 198 through the use of the gripper portions 192 and theswiveling gripper portions 196. The lifting of the assembly 10 by thebayonet 132 and the lowering of the puller member 98 forces the knuckle12 into contact with the stop portion 230. The stop portion 230 has anannular shoulder 262 which engages knuckle 12. These actions locate theknuckle/hub assembly 10 within the lathe and also fix the knuckle 12 tothe lathe separately from any drive mechanism. Further, the knuckle 12acted on by the pullers and grippers so that the knuckle is fixed andlocated. The knuckle 12 is not exposed to any bearing pre-load force.

[0059] After the assembly 10 is located, the bayonet 132 is engaged byrotating the puller member 98 and the puller encasing 200 with respectto the surrounding body portion 228. The puller member 98 and the pullerencasing 200 are free to rotate with respect to the body portion 228 andare rotated 90° in order to engage the bayonet 132. Thereafter, aclamping force is introduced by applying pressure to the annular flange236 by introducing hydraulic fluid into the lower reservoir 244 throughthe second fluid orifice 242 forcing the puller 20 upward. By pullingthe puller member 98 up, the bayonet 132 is also pulled upward such thatthe lower stop portion 222 sits on the inner race 31 of the bearing 28in order to apply a force thereto and thus preload the bearing 28.

[0060] After the assembly 10 has been located and clamped as describedabove, the final finishing process of the inner and outer surfaces 62,64 of the hub flange face 34 can be performed by a finishing tool. Insuch a process, the hub 14 is driven such that it is rotating withrespect to the knuckle 12 in which is fixed. The finishing tool is alsopreferably single tool such as a CNC tool, as is well known in the art.However, a variety of the other finishing tools may alternatively beutilized.

[0061] One of the features of the fixture assembly 70 is to turn thewheel hub 14 and the bearing 28 compliantly, such that the stem portion206 and the annular flange 246 are free to float and follow theknuckle/hub bearing's axis of rotation. It is further preferred that theflange surface 34 is probed before final finishing to ensure a smallfinal finish cut, i.e., decreasing the amount of material removal thatis required during the final finish cut. This helps control the distancebetween the caliper ears and the flange face 34.

[0062] Other objects and features of the present invention will becomeapparent when reviewed in light of detailed description of the preferredembodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings andappended claims.

In the claims:
 1. A wheel end assembly for a motor vehicle comprising: aknuckle having a plurality of apertures formed therein for attachment ofsaid knuckle to the vehicle, said knuckle having a generally circularbore formed therein; a bearing positioned in said generally circularbore, said bearing having an inner race and an outer race; a wheel hubhaving a neck portion, in rotational communication with said bearing,and a flange portion attached to said neck portion; said flange portionhaving a flange face with an outer portion, an inner portion, and arelief channel disposed between said outer portion and said innerportion; a plurality of wheel bolt receiving apertures formed in saidrelief channel each for receipt of a wheel bolt therethrough; said innerportion and said outer portion of said flange face lying generally in asingle plane with said plane being generally parallel to a plane inwhich a pair of brake mounting structures are disposed; and whereinrun-out of said flange face with respect to an axis of rotation of saidbearing.
 2. The assembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein said generallycircular bore of said knuckle has an upper snap ring groove and a lowershoulder portion for receiving said bearing therebetween.
 3. Theassembly as recited in claim 2 , wherein a snap ring is positioned insaid snap ring groove and wherein said bearing is snap fit into saidknuckle between said snap ring and said lower shoulder portion.
 4. Theassembly as recited in claim 1 , wherein said neck portion of said wheelhub is press fit into communication with said bearing.
 5. The assemblyas recited in claim 1 , wherein said bearing outer race is integrallyformed with said knuckle.
 6. The assembly as recited in claim 1 ,wherein said bearing inner race is integrally formed with said neckportion of said wheel hub.
 7. The assembly as recited in claim 1 ,wherein parallelism between said inner portion of said flange face andsaid outer portion of said flange face and a pair of brake caliper earscan be accurately maintained.
 8. The assembly as recited in claim 1 ,wherein said inner portion of said flange face and said outer portion ofsaid flange face have a flatness of at least 20 μm.
 9. A knuckle hubassembly comprising: a knuckle having a plurality of apertures formedtherein for attachment to a supporting structure; an attachmentstructure formed in said knuckle for communicating with a bearing; awheel hub having a neck portion and a flange portion, said neck portionbeing in rotatable communication with said bearing; a flange face formedon said flange portion for mating with a brake rotor; a relief channelformed in said flange face and dividing said flange face into an innerportion and an outer portion; and whereby said flange face inner portionis parallel to a first brake caliper and said flange face outer portionis parallel to a second brake caliper and whereby lateral run-out ofsaid flange face with respect to said brake rotor is minimized.
 10. Theassembly as recited in claim 9 , wherein said inner portion and saidouter portion of said flange face are generally co-planar to each other.11. The assembly as recited in claim 10 , wherein a plurality of wheelbolt receiving apertures are formed in said relief channel, each of saidapertures receiving a wheel bolt therethrough.
 12. The assembly asrecited in claim 11 , wherein said supporting structure is part of amotor vehicle.
 13. The assembly as recited in claim 12 , wherein saidknuckle has a generally circular bore formed therein.
 14. The assemblyas recited in claim 13 , wherein said generally circular bore receivessaid bearing therein and wherein said attachment structure thatcommunicates with said bearing is an inner surface of said bore.
 15. Theassembly as recited in claim 14 , wherein said knuckle bore has an uppersnap ring groove and a lower shoulder portion between which said bearingis press-fit.
 16. The assembly as recited in claim 13 , wherein saidbearing has an inner race and an outer race and said bearing outer raceis integrally formed with said knuckle.
 17. The assembly as recited inclaim 13 , wherein said bearing has an inner race and an outer race andsaid bearing inner race is integrally formed with said wheel hub neckportion.
 18. The assembly as recited in claim 13 , wherein said innerportion of said flange face and said outer portion of said flange facehave a flatness of at least 20 μm.
 19. The assembly as recited in claim13 , wherein said run-out between said flange face and an axis ofrotation of said bearing is minimized.
 20. The assembly as recited inclaim 19 , wherein said run-out between said flange face and saidbearing axis of rotation is 14 μm or better.
 21. The assembly as recitedin claim 13 , wherein said bearing is mounted to said attachmentstructure which is located on an upper portion of said knuckle.
 22. Amethod for manufacturing a knuckle/hub assembly, comprising: providing awheel hub having a neck portion and a flange portion, said flangeportion having a flange face with an inner portion, an outer portion,and a relief channel disposed between said inner portion and said outerportion; forming a plurality of bolt receiving apertures in said reliefchannel; locating a bearing into a generally circular bore formed in aknuckle; journaling said neck portion of said wheel hub into saidbearing to allow rotation of said wheel hub with respect to saidknuckle; final finishing said inner portion and said outer portion ofsaid flange face whereby said inner portion and said outer portion areco-planar whereby lateral run-out of said flange face to a brake rotoris minimized.
 23. The method as recited in claim 22 , further comprisingfinishing said inner portion and said outer portion of said flange faceprior to said final finishing step.
 24. The method as recited in claim22 , further comprising locating said assembly in a clamping fixture.25. The method as recited in claim 22 , further comprising press-fittinga wheel bolt into each of said plurality of bolt receiving holes priorto said step of final finishing.
 26. The method as recited in claim 22 ,further comprising forming said relief channel in said flange throughmachining.
 27. The method as recited in claim 22 , further comprisingforming said relief channel in said flange face through forging.
 28. Themethod as recited in claim 22 , further comprising press-fitting saidbearing into said knuckle bore.
 29. The method as recited in claim 22 ,further comprising integrally forming an outer race of said bearing withsaid knuckle.
 30. The method as recited in claim 22 , further comprisingintegrally forming an inner race of said bearing with said neck portionof said wheel hub.
 31. The method as recited in claim 22 , wherein saidfinal finishing step includes finishing said inner portion and saidouter portion of said flange face such that they have a flatness of atleast 20 μm.
 32. The method as recited in claim 22 , wherein parallelismbetween said inner portion and said outer portion of said flange faceand a plurality of brake caliper ears is maintained.
 33. The method asrecited in claim 22 , wherein said final finishing step provides run-outbetween said flange face and said bearing axis of rotation of 14 μm orbetter.
 34. A method for manufacturing a wheel end assembly, comprising:providing a wheel hub having a neck portion and a flange portion, saidflange portion having a flange face; forming a relief channel in saidflange face such that said flange face has an inner portion and an outerportion; forming a plurality of bolt receiving holes in said reliefchannel; finishing said flange face in order to flatten said flange faceinner portion and said flange face outer portion; placing said wheel hubin rotational communication with a knuckle; and final finishing saidinner portion and said outer portion of said flange face whereby lateralrun out of said flange face is minimized.
 35. The method as recited inclaim 34 , wherein said step of final finishing includes forming saidinner portion and said outer portion such that they are co-planar. 36.The method as recited in claim 34 , wherein said step of final finishingincludes forming said inner portion and said outer portion such thatthey are flat.
 37. The method as recited in claim 36 , wherein saidinner portion and said outer portion each have a flatness of at least 20μm.
 38. The method as recited in claim 34 , wherein parallelism betweensaid inner portion and said outer portion of said flange face and aplurality of brake caliper ears is maintained.
 39. The method as recitedin claim 34 , further comprising: locating the wheel end assembly into afixture assembly prior to said step of final finishing.
 40. The methodas recited in claim 34 , further comprising: providing a knuckle havinga bearing retention structure formed therein.
 41. The method as recitedin claim 40 , wherein said bearing retention structure is a generallycircular bore formed in said knuckle.
 42. The method as recited in claim41 , further comprising: snap-fitting a bearing having an inner race andan outer race into said bore.
 43. The method as recited in claim 42 ,wherein said bearing is located in said bore between a lower shoulderportion and an upper snap ring.
 44. The method as recited in claim 41 ,wherein said bearing is only partially disposed in said bore.
 45. Themethod as recited in claim 40 wherein said bearing retention structureis disposed on an upper surface of said knuckle.
 46. The method asrecite in claim 34 , wherein said relief channel is formed in saidflange face through machining.
 47. The method as recited in claim 34 ,wherein said relief channel is formed in said flange face throughforging.
 48. The method as recited in claim 34 , further comprising:integrally forming an outer race of said bearing with said knuckle. 49.The method as recited in claim 34 , further comprising: integrallyforming an inner race of said bearing with said neck portion of saidwheel hub.
 50. The method as recited in claim 34 , further comprising:press-fitting a wheel bolt into each of said plurality of bolt receivingholes prior to said step of final finishing.
 51. The method as recitedin claim 34 , wherein wheel bolts are passed through each of saidplurality of bolt receiving holes when a wheel is attached to said wheelhub.